FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 27, 2026
St. Landry Economic Development Celebrates Economic Development Week with Full
Lineup of Events
OPELOUSAS, LA – St. Landry Economic Development is proud to celebrate Economic Development Week,
May 4 through 8, 2026, marking 100 years of impact across communities nationwide. This milestone
represents a century of growth, opportunity, and collaboration, and SLED is excited to bring a week of engaging
events designed to support and strengthen the local business community.
Throughout the week, SLED will host a series of Lunch and Learn sessions and a networking breakfast aimed at
equipping business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders with valuable tools, resources, and
connections to move their businesses forward.
All events will take place at the Louisiana Equine Sales and Event Center, located at 372 Harry Guilbeau
Road in Opelousas.
Event Schedule:
May 5, 2026 – Lunch and Learn
Time: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Session: Your Workforce Advantage: Practical Programs That Strengthen Your Business Now
Presented by Brenda Foulcard, Workforce Director, Workforce Investment Board 40
Register here: https://forms.gle/UViM1yp3sxYqLwdL9
May 6, 2026 – Lunch and Learn
Time: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Session: From Idea to Investment: Exploring Funding Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
Presented by Heidi Melancon, Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Register here: https://forms.gle/iPCAPr8D7wQaoSS39
May 7, 2026 – Networking Breakfast
Time: 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Session: Economic Development Isn’t Just Big Business: St. Landry Parish Cultivating Entrepreneurs
Featuring Bill Rodier, St. Landry Economic Development
Lena Charles, Opelousas Downtown Development District
Frank Buddy Helton, Central St. Landry Economic Development District
Brandy Ledet, Louisiana Economic Development
Register here: https://forms.gle/Z1tcv3upbbcMmCaJ9
St. Landry Parish Economic Development
5367 I-49 S. Service Rd.
Opelousas, Louisiana 70570
Phone: (337) 948-1391 Fax: (337) 407-2283
www.opportunitystlandry.com
“This week is about more than celebrating the past; it is about investing in the future of St. Landry Parish,”
said Bill Rodier, CEO of St. Landry Economic Development. “We are bringing together resources, expertise,
and partnerships that empower our local businesses and entrepreneurs to grow and succeed.”
Whether you are a business owner, entrepreneur, or community leader, Economic Development Week offers
opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.
SLED encourages the community to take part in this exciting week of events and help celebrate 100 years of
economic development by continuing to build a stronger, more vibrant St. Landry Parish.
For more information, please contact St. Landry Economic Development.
Media Contact:
St. Landry Economic Development
Brittany Cretchain
337-331-2247
brittanyc@stlandryed.com
